Superfoods, you have probably heard this word before but what does it really mean? Is it just a marketing term created to promote the latest nutritional fad or is there really such a thing?
It is actually both. There is such a thing as superfoods, which are natural foods that have very high nutritional value and health benefits. However, many marketers have latched on to this term as a way to promote different nutritional supplements, snacks, and juices. While there is nothing wrong with companies using this word to advertise their product, it is important that you really understand what a superfood is. You need to make sure you are getting the best nutritional value for your money.
Our diet is made up of a wide variety of foods. Some of the foods we choose have little or no nutritional value, think of candy, chips and soda. Eating these types of foods can actually be bad for your health and can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. If your diet contains too many foods with a low nutritional value, it can cause malnutrition which is a serious concern.
Next we have foods that give us good nutrition and provide the energy we need to function well. These foods are good for us and help us to remain healthy. Most of the time everyone gets the basics of good nutrition in their diet, as long as they aren’t loading up on sugar and fast food! But there is lots of room for improvement in our diets for better nutrition.
However, at the top of the nutritional food heap we have superfoods. These foods are rich in nutrients and naturally occurring substances that can actually help to heal your body, help it function at top level, and can help lower your risk for disease. Superfoods are excellent for improving heart health. Many superfoods have been scientifically proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids that are found in many superfoods can be very beneficial for heart health.
So what are some superfoods that can provide you with great nutrition and help boost your health?
Tomatoes – tomatoes contain lycopene which may reduce the risk of prostate and other cancers.
Broccoli – broccoli contains a chemical that can reduce the progression of cancer cells, especially hormone sensitive cancers such as breast and ovarian.
Fish – fish contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to the heart. It is important that you eat wild caught fish as opposed to farm raised. The wild caught has been shown to contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat at least two servings of fish per week.
Dark Berries - Dark berries, such as blueberries, cranberries, etc., are a rich source of antioxidants. The antioxidants stop free radicals from causing cell damage in our bodies. We all are exposed to free radicals in our daily lives from pollution, preservatives, etc. Antioxidants are very beneficial to restoring the natural balance of your body.
Nuts – nuts are a great superfood because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and they are high in fiber. They benefit both the heart and the digestive system as well as total body health. Just go easy on them, nuts can have a high calorie content so if you are trying to lose weight eat them in moderation.
These are just a few of the delicious superfoods that are good to eat and good for your health. By replacing the low nutrition foods in your diet with these high nutrition superfoods, you will have more energy and just feel better!
Author Resource:
Piper is a self-employed essayist who likes fitness, taking care of herself, and the outdoors. She writes about her favorite subjects like diet and fitness. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and enjoying her yard. Piper enjoys finding the best garden accessories to make her yard work easier.
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